Manufacturer catalogue image - please note that pre-release images may be CAD renders or CGI images rather than photographs
Prototype Era
Era 3 (1923 to 1947) The Big Four (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR)
The 48XX and 58xx was designed to replace the earlier 19th century George Armstrong Wolverhampton 517 class. Charles Collett improved the design with new higher pressure boilers and an improved cab. A total of 75 14xx were built with auto gear for working with trailer cars and when introduced were numbered 48xx to 4874 with 20 non auto fitted 58xx class constructed for general purpose traffic. The first locomotives entered service in 1932, with most running into the 1960s. The 4800 with autocoach meant the locomotive could be controlled from there which negated the requirement to run the locomotive round at the end of the journey. This format was known as a push-pull train. After the war experiments with oil firing of the 28xx class would be renumbered in the 48xx class, therefore the original 48xx class were renumbered 1400 to 1474. Four members of the class have been preserved 1420, 1442. 1450 and 1466.
The locomotive will have all of the usual refinements that are expected to be found on all Dapol models including:
Technical Specification:
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Dapol 48XX Class 0‑4‑2 4870 Green GWR Steam Locomotive – DCC fitted is a ready‑to‑run model of a Great Western Railway 48xx class engine. It carries the manufacturer part number 4S‑006‑004D and is fitted with a NEXT‑18 DCC decoder. The model represents the period of the British “Big Four” railway companies (LNER, LMS, GWR and SR).
The original 48xx and 58xx locomotives were introduced to replace the 19th‑century George Armstrong Wolverhampton 517 class. Designed by Charles Collett, they featured higher‑pressure boilers and an improved cab. Seventy‑five 48xx units were built with auto gear for use with autocoaches, allowing push‑pull operation without the need to run the engine round at each change‑over. The first examples entered service in 1932 and most remained operational into the 1960s. Four members of the class – 1420, 1442, 1450 and 1466 – have been preserved.
The model includes a die‑cast chassis, running plate, wheels with metal tyres, boiler and firebox, and a fully compensated chassis for smooth running. The cab interior is detailed, with a removable roof held by magnets, bunker steps for post‑1936 examples, and two footplate styles to represent either the 48xx or 58xx configuration. Collett‑sprung straight‑shank buffers, top‑feed fittings where appropriate, expertly applied liveries and etched number plates (supplied in the accessory pack) add to the realism.
Technical features comprise a slide‑in printed‑circuit board that provides tool‑free installation of the NEXT‑18 decoder and a no‑solder speaker connection via the smoke‑box door. The locomotive is equipped with firebox glow synchronised to the sound, a high‑quality core‑less motor and a dedicated DCC socket. Models are supplied DCC ready and DCC fitted, with optional DCC sound. Factory‑fitted units also benefit from Dapol’s RealDrive enhancement for improved driving performance.